Artist Showcased Soft-Mount Taxidermy in Denver
Chandra Ahlquist displayed 22 posable animal mounts at The Oddities and Curiosities Expo.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Wildlife
Live Poll
Would you feel comfortable displaying taxidermy designed for physical interaction in your home?
Chandra Ahlquist, owner of Loveland-based Sterling Fox Taxidermy, showcased her interactive soft-mount taxidermy at The Oddities and Curiosities Expo in Denver. These unique pieces are crafted using hand-wrapped wire armatures and polyfill padding to allow for physical handling.
Why it matters
Customers increasingly seek out unique, handmade art that moves beyond traditional static displays. The soft-body approach offers an interactive taxidermy alternative that allows for movement and close-up engagement.
Ahlquist presented 22 soft mounts during the event, each crafted from soft-tanned pelts stretched over flexible wire and polyfill. These mounts are categorized into fully posable, semi-posable, and soft-body styles.
The players
Chandra Ahlquist
She is the owner of Sterling Fox Taxidermy, a studio based in Loveland, Colorado.
Sterling Fox Taxidermy
This business specializes in creating fully posable, semi-posable, and soft-body taxidermy mounts.
The details
The mounts are created by stretching soft-tanned pelts over hand-wrapped wire armatures, with the bodies filled with polyfill for added softness. For example, the Mishka mount featured a legally sourced wolf pelt originating from Canada.
Timeline
October 2026: Chandra Ahlquist displayed work at the Oddities and Curiosities Expo.
Culture Shift
This artistry reflects the broader growth of the alternative oddities market, where consumers prioritize tactile, handmade experiences over traditional decor. This movement marks a departure from static museum-style taxidermy toward pieces designed for interaction.
Denver residents interested in the craft can visit the Sterling Fox Taxidermy Etsy page to browse available posable mounts. The pieces provide a distinct alternative for collectors looking for durable, interactive art objects for their homes.
The takeaway
Soft-mount taxidermy bridges the gap between traditional preservation and modern, interactive art. Collectors should consider the material durability of polyfill-filled mounts when planning to display them in high-traffic home settings.
Further reading
Learn more about the intersection of artistry and Wildlife.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cowboy State Daily.
Live Poll
Would you feel comfortable displaying taxidermy designed for physical interaction in your home?
